Bon Appétit Box Newsletter

The Most Beautiful Places in France: Part II

Hello again my travel friends! As summer slowly comes in, I’m thrilled to share with you 5 of my favorite places in the South of France. These gems are for me some of the most beautiful places in the country. In my last article, my road trip to the North of France brings back memories of the Atlantic Coast from its golden Versailles to the white cliffs of Etretat.

Today let’s go south, and discover more than fifty shades of blue!

The Camargue, Provence

Camargue is a natural region, that almost looks like another continent, located south of Arles between the two arms of the Rhone delta. There you can spot pink flamingos, Camargue’s most emblematic birds, but also the more historically famous wild white horses! You can tour this natural wonder by car or if you want to feel like a local cowboy you can do horseback riding. This interesting marshy scenery is also perfect to admire one of the 400 migratory bird species, including herons.

The French Riviera

With its wonderfully warm climate all year, the French Riviera is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. Nothing captures the glamor and appeal of France quite like the villages of the coast. Visit the yacht-filled ports of the touristy Saint-Tropez (don’t miss their specialty cake the Tarte Tropézienne made with brioche and cream filling), the rose- scented winds of Grasse (birthplace of luxury perfumery), or the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of the marvelous Cassis. The French Riviera aka Cote d’Azur hosts a lot of festivals for visitors and celebs! So, if you’re here in February, don’t miss Nice Carnival, in May participate to the famous Cannes Film Festivals and many others throughout the year!

Corsica

An island southeast of France, Corsica is a true gem located in the Mediterranean Sea with an indubitably Italian Fair. With its endless white beaches, its dense forest and hiking trails, this mountainous island really worth the visit. Also known as Napoleon’s birthplace the tiny island of Corsica offers tremendously varying opportunities: snorkeling, enjoying a leisurely boat trip, sunbathing and sampling local delicacies. Don’t miss the wide array of delicious local specialties: charcuteries (Figatellu, Lonzu, Prisuttu and much more…), sheep & goat milk cheese (from Brocciu to Ricotta) and incredible wine made from traditional Corsican grapes.

Gorges du Verdon

Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of France”, the Gorge du Verdon is a marvelous colored place offering once-in-a-lifetime views. Located in southeastern France in the Verdon Natural Regional Park, the river canyon flows through a scenic mix of canyons, waterways, and charming villages. Here you can hike or horseback rides trails throughout the vertical limestone cliffs connecting the tiny villages. Or rent a canoe and follow the course of the dazzling turquoise stream that flows into the artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix.

Porquerolles Island

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the small town of Hyères, lies an archipelago of three islands with coastlines as white as the Caribbean and vineyards producing the most iconic rosé from Provence. If you like tiny villages, incredible wine, amazing beaches, and dozing under a fig tree Porquerolles is for sure your paradise too! One of the great things about Porquerolles Island is that it’s only a stone’s throw -1 hour- from the madness of Saint-Tropez but you’d never know it. It’s probably the best-kept secret of the French Riviera!

I hope you enjoyed this trip along the Mediterranean coast and all its natural treasures! Have you ever visited this marvellous region? Or is it on your bucket list?

Stay tuned for our next part!

Bon Voyage!

Zoé Capdevila

She is the co-founder of Bon Appétit Box. She was born & raised in Montpellier in the South of France and then spent 5 years exploring the culinary offerings of Paris. In her free time, she loves to walk on the beach watching the sea scenery in every season. When she comes back to France, her favorite thing is to sit outside with friends and enjoy some cheese (she’s a fan of Roquefort!) with a glass of red wine of course!